Sally and Jaime Ridge

SallyWe were offered the opportunity by TV3 and thought about it for a couple of days and then we just thought: why not, it’s a job, and something to do together. We get on so well and we find ourselves quite funny so we thought it would be good fun.

JaimePeople have such a preconceived perception about us that’s so far from the truth that it was something we could do to show who we are. We’re both so proud of who we are; think I’m a good person, I think Mum’s a good person. It’s also a fun show – light-hearted and not too serious.

Why do you think people will be interested in watching The Ridges?

SallyThat’s a really hard question! I think people are just curious about other people ,to be honest with you. Whether it’s us or whoever. I just hope that people watch it and enjoy it.

JaimeCuriosity. People have seen us in magazines and stuff, but they’ve never really heard us talk. I think it will be curiosity. Obviously I imagine there will be a lot of people who will want to watch us to bag us. Hopefully their perceptions will change.

How do you think you show will differ from other reality shows like The GC and Keeping Up With The Kardashians?

JaimeIt’s very, very different to shows like The GC. We’re not dramatic - we’re very light-hearted and we don’t take ourselves too seriously. I do love to watch the Kardashains when I have time, though.

SallyOur show is actually us and the way we live. It’s more real day to day life. Jaime and I usually sit and watch TV together, we usually watch the Kardashians or Bill and Juliana. They’re such a cute couple.

What is the biggest misconception about you?

SallyFor some reason people think we’re desperate fame-seekers but 90% of the time when we’re in the public eye it’s either for work or not of our doing. It’s the media choosing to write about us. Jaime and I are normal everyday people like everyone else. What we do is a job.

JaimeI think people think we’re really serious and have a high opinion of ourselves, but we are actually both quite crazy, especially me. The general perception is so far from reality that it will be interesting to see what people think. Some people will bag you no matter what, so that’s to be expected, but hopefully most will take a less judgemental approach.

What would you say to New Zealanders who have been critical of your show before it even airs?

SallyPeople do judge us and they criticise us an awful lot and the reality is you really shouldn’t judge anyone until you meet them. I don’t believe a darn thing I read because I know how much Jaime and I have been misconstrued in the way that we’re portrayed. But then again, if people believe what they read you can only respect their views, negative or positive.

How do you handle hearing or reading negative stories about yourselves in the media?

SallyI used to get really upset about it but it’s like water off a duck’s back now. I seriously don’t care.

JaimePersonally I don’t care what anyone says about me because I like my life and who I am and all my friends and people who know me always say "oh, you’re so different to what I expected." I guess from a young age I had to put up with it so it’s easy for me. I just get upset when people start to bag my family especially Mum, that’s when I get really defensive and quite angry about it but I was born into this position. You’ve just got to deal with what you’ve given and make the best out of every situation so that’s what I try to do.

If you had to join the cast of any other reality show which one would you choose?

SallyI’d so want to be in the Kardashians - why not? It would be fun to live in the states for a little while, and hang out with them – it’s a little bit different to the NZ environment!

JaimeIt would definitely be the Kardashians, definitely. They look like they have so much fun and I love all their clothes as well.

Jamie, you’re studying for a BCom/LLB, what inspired you to choose that career.

I don’t really know what inspired me – I think because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do I took a really broad degree and it’s also a really strong degree. It has a lot of substance. I don’t really see myself become a lawyer – It’s too straight up and down for me, but it’s great training.

Sally, what do you most appreciate about Jamie?She’s just so loving and so caring and she’s just got such a kind heart. She’s an absolute treasure to have in the house… when she’s not grumpy. (laughs). When she’s grumpy, you seriously don’t want to be there! And she’s so gorgeous with her little brothers and sisters. As well and loves Boston. We’re just a really close family which is cool.

Jamie, what do you most appreciate about your Mum?Basically just how she accepts me for who I am. I can be hard work, you know (as she said) but she’s amazing. She’s such a good mum and she lets us all take our own paths and do what we want to do. She’ll always support us no matter what and she’s such an amazing woman, she’s been through so much and she’s still so strong.

What is your secret talent?

SallyWe’re both pretty good cooks.

JaimeI’m a good cook, I love cooking. And I’m pretty arty, which people don’t see me as because I’m doing law and commerce. I won all the arts and graphics awards at school.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

SallyThey’ll be surprised to see that we are really no different to anyone else in this country!

Favourite places to hang out?

SallyI love Queenstown, and we’ve been going down there a bit lately. In Auckland, Moochowchow, SPQR… Ponsonby Road in general.

JaimeEbisu and Hanoi in Britomart, MooChowChow…. Bambina is my favourite, and Zus and Zo.